Set in 1917 Royal Oak, the book examines the case of Augusta Steinbach, a New York maid, who answers a matrimonial ad placed by Herman Neugebauer and follows him to Royal Oak. Soon after, she disappears and foul play is suspected. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing after his talk.

Registration is requested. Register online at ropl.org or call the adult reference desk at 248-246-3727 for more information about this free program.

Teen Pumpkin Painting

Middle and high school students are invited to paint pumpkins for Halloween at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Teens can make them plain, playful, pretty or psychedelic. All materials will be provided.

Registration is limited to 20. Visit ropl.org or call the Youth and Teen Services at 248-246-3725 to sign up for this free program.

Health care town hall

State Representative Jim Townsend, D-Royal Oak, in holding a heath care town hall event from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road.

At the town hall meeting, you can find out more about health care reform and what it means for your family.

Enjoy old-time, Celtic music

The Village Strings of Michigan will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road. The group is an eclectic group of 11 southeast Michigan musicians who perform old-time, Celtic and other tunes with an interesting blend of instruments.

Registration is requested. To sign up for this free program, visitropl.org or call the Adult Reference Desk at 248-246-3727.

A Funtastic Halloween

Enjoy the program Funtastic Halloween at the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Guests will enjoy Halloween games, crafts and activities. Wear a costume or come as you are. Drop in anytime.

No registration is required. For more information, visitropl.org or call the Youth Reference Desk at 248-246-3725.